Dictionary

lawn sleeves en · NOUN

Etymology

From the sleeves of the bishops' robes, which were made of lawn (“fine linen”).

Meanings

1. (plural, plural-only) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lawn, sleeves.
2. (plural, plural-only) The sleeves of a bishop's ceremonial garments.
   • The LORD CHANCELLOR declared, that in his opinion, a bishop might vote either in his lawn sleeves, or in his robes ; and in proof of it, his Lordship said he hasd more than once seen Bishops vote in a Committee of Privileges without their lawn sleeves. 1800, “House of Lords, Wedneday, July 23”, in The Parliamentary Register, volume 12, page 481:
3. (plural, plural-only) The bishops of the Anglican or Roman Catholic churches.
   • “In the House of Lords, most likely. I rather think of bein there to-morrow night, and shal look sharpish after the lawn sleeves, you ma depend on’t." 1845, James Anthony Froude, John Tulloch, editors, Fraser's Magazine, volume 32, J. Fraser:
   • I shall implore the aid of the lawn sleeves and ermine on that occasion. 1777, “Debate on Lord C------n's motion more amending the address”, in John Nichols, editor, The Gentleman's magazine, volume 47, E. Cave, page 606:

Forms